Motorcycle Dangers

Posted: Sun 7:11 PM, Jun 04, 2006

A motorcyclist was hit on Apalachee Parkway Saturday night, and last week another biker was killed in an accident on Thomasville Road.

Sean Starnes has been riding motorcycles for more than two years. He says the recent bike accidents concern him every time he gets on his bike, knowing he doesn't have the same protection as someone in a car.

Sean Starnes says, "Because nine times out of ten, 99 times out of 100, if we get in a wreck with you you're not going to feel it."

Bikers say they know it's their choice to ride, but agree the dangers of getting on a bike seem to be an increasing problem and can be avoided if motorists are more polite on the roadways.

Aubrey Parrish rides motorcycles and says, "Be courteous. I mean, everybody deserves a chance to be on the road. Just take that extra second and look twice because a lot of times we're out there and people don't really realize it, so just take that extra second and look again."

It’s a second they say can save lives, especially in areas that can be problematic for drivers.

Gary Hughes, a motorist, said, "There's a lot of blind spots for bikers. You can't always see when you're getting ready to pull out on the road and like when you're out there, they're right there."

Parrish added, "Cars don't really pay attention to us a lot of the time. You know, they think they see us but then they don't go with their gut feeling and sometimes pull out."

Cyclists say it's a matter of education; riders to know the capabilities of their bikes, and for motorists to know the rules of the road.

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